09 septembre 2017

L'hypersensibilité à des visages effrayants de faible intensité dans l'autisme lorsque la fixation est contrainte aux yeux

Traduction: G.M.
Des études antérieures qui ont montré une diminution de l'activation du cerveau chez les personnes avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) regardant des visages expressifs ne contrôlaient pas si les participants regardaient bien dans les yeux.
Ceci est problématique car le TSA se caractérise par une attention anormale aux yeux. 
Cette étude a recueilli des données sur l'IRMF de 48 participants (27 TSA) regardant des images de visages neutres et de visages exprimant la colère, le bonheur et la peur à faible et haute intensité, avec une croix de fixation entre les yeux.  
Les différences de groupe dans l'activité de l'ensemble cerveau ont été examinées pour les visages expressifs à haute et faible intensité par rapport aux visages neutres.  
En réponse à des visages effrayants de faible intensité, les participants avec un diagnostic de TSA ont montré une activation accrue dans les régions du cerveau social et une diminution du couplage fonctionnel entre l'amygdale et cortex préfrontal ventromédial (vmPFC).
Cette surimpression à la peur de faible intensité associée à un manque de capacité de régulation émotionnelle pourrait indiquer un déséquilibre excitant / inhibiteur dans leur système de traitement socio-affectif. Cela peut entraîner un désengagement social et l'évitement des contacts visuels pour gérer les sentiments de forte réaction émotionnelle. 
Les résultats montrent également l'importance d'un contrôle minutieux du regard lors de l'étude du traitement émotionnel dans les TSA.

Hum Brain Mapp. 2017 Sep 7. doi: 10.1002/hbm.23800. 

Hypersensitivity to low intensity fearful faces in autism when fixation is constrained to the eyes

Author information

1
Massachusetts General Hospital, A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
2
Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge University, United Kingdom.
3
Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Center, Gothenburg University, Sweden.
4
Section for Speech and Language Pathology, Gothenburg University, Sweden.
5
Service de Génétique Médicale, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
6
Centre Ressource Autisme, Hopital Universitaire de Limoges, France.

Abstract

Previous studies that showed decreased brain activation in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) viewing expressive faces did not control that participants looked in the eyes. This is problematic because ASD is characterized by abnormal attention to the eyes. Here, we collected fMRI data from 48 participants (27 ASD) viewing pictures of neutral faces and faces expressing anger, happiness, and fear at low and high intensity, with a fixation cross between the eyes. Group differences in whole brain activity were examined for expressive faces at high and low intensity versus neutral faces. Group differences in neural activity were also investigated in regions of interest within the social brain, including the amygdala and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). In response to low intensity fearful faces, ASD participants showed increased activation in the social brain regions, and decreased functional coupling between the amygdala and the vmPFC. This oversensitivity to low intensity fear coupled with a lack of emotional regulation capacity could indicate an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in their socio-affective processing system. This may result in social disengagement and avoidance of eye-contact to handle feelings of strong emotional reaction. Our results also demonstrate the importance of careful control of gaze when investigating emotional processing in ASD. Hum Brain Mapp, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID:28881454
DOI:10.1002/hbm.23800

Les champs électromagnétiques dans les incubateurs sont-ils un facteur de risque pour l'autisme?

Traduction: G.M.

Acta Paediatr. 2017 Sep 1. doi: 10.1111/apa.14055.

Re: Are electromagnetic fields in incubators a risk factor for autism?

Author information

1
Diagnostic Imaging Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.

Abstract

Cette lettre concerne l'article de Bellieni et Buonocore intitulé «Les champs électromagnétiques dans les incubateurs sont-ils un facteur de risque pour l'autisme? publié dans Acta Paediatrica (1). Les auteurs de ce court article suggèrent que l'exposition des nourrissons aux champs électromagnétiques appelés «champs électromagnétiques élevés (EMF) produits par le moteur électrique de l'incubateur» peut être liée à un risque accru d'autisme. Malgré son sujet difficile, le document rédigé par Bellieni et Buonocore présente des lacunes. 
This letter is regarding the article by Bellieni and Buonocore entitled "Are electromagnetic fields in incubators a risk factor for autism?" published in Acta Paediatrica (1). The authors of this short article suggest that exposure of the infants to electromagnetic fields which are referred to as "high electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by the incubator's electric engine" can be linked to increased risk of autism. Despite its challenging topic, the paper authored by Bellieni and Buonocore has some shortcomings. 
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

06 septembre 2017

Pareil ou différent: le chevauchement entre les enfants avec des troubles du traitement auditif et des enfants avec d'autres troubles du développement: une revue systématique

Aperçu: G.M.
Les enfants diagnostiqués avec des troubles du traitement auditif (APD) éprouvent des difficultés dans le fonctionnement auditif et avec des tâches de mémoire, d'attention, de langage et de lecture. Cependant, on ne sait pas si les caractéristiques comportementales de ces enfants sont distinctes des caractéristiques comportementales des enfants diagnostiqués avec un trouble du développement différent, comme une déficience spécifique du langage (SLI), une dyslexie, un trouble de l'hyperactivité à déficit de l'attention (TDAH), un trouble de l'apprentissage (LD) ou un trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA).
L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer 
  1. quelles caractéristiques de l'APD se chevauchent avec les caractéristiques des enfants avec un diagnostic de SLI, dyslexie, TDAH, LD ou TSA; et 
  2. s'il existe des caractéristiques qui distinguent les enfants diagnostiqués avec APD d'enfants diagnostiqués avec d'autres troubles du développement. 
Au total, 13 études dont la qualité méthodologique était modérée ont été incluses dans cette revue systématique. Dans cinq études, la performance des enfants diagnostiqués avec APD a été comparée à la performance des enfants diagnostiqués avec SLI: chez deux avec des enfants diagnostiqués avec dyslexie, un avec des enfants diagnostiqués avec du TDAH et un autre avec des enfants ayant un diagnostic de LD. Dix des études comprenaient des enfants qui satisfaisaient aux critères pour plus d'un diagnostic. Dans quatre études, il y a eu une comparaison entre les performances des enfants atteints de troubles comorbides. Il n'y a pas eu d'études dans lesquelles la performance des enfants diagnostiqués avec APD a été comparée à la performance des enfants diagnostiqués avec un trouble du spectre de l'autisme.
Les enfants diagnostiqués avec APD ont des performances identiques à celles des enfants avec SLI, dyslexie, TDAH et LD dans les tests d'intelligence, de mémoire ou d'attention et des tests de langage.
Seules de petites différences entre les groupes ont été trouvées pour les tâches sensorielles et fonctionnelles perceptives (auditives et visuelles). En outre, les enfants diagnostiqués avec dyslexie ont été plus pauvres dans les tâches de lecture par rapport aux enfants diagnostiqués avec APD. 
Le résultat est peut-être biaisé par la mauvaise qualité des études de recherche et la faible qualité des mesures de résultat utilisées.

Ear Hear. 2017 Aug 31. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000479.

Same or Different: The Overlap Between Children With Auditory Processing Disorders and Children With Other Developmental Disorders: A Systematic Review

Author information

1
1Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; 3Laboratory for Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. 4Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; 5Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia; and 6Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Children diagnosed with auditory processing disorders (APD) experience difficulties in auditory functioning and with memory, attention, language, and reading tasks. However, it is not clear whether the behavioral characteristics of these children are distinctive from the behavioral characteristics of children diagnosed with a different developmental disorder, such as specific language impairment (SLI), dyslexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorder (LD), or autism spectrum disorder. This study describes the performance of children diagnosed with APD, SLI, dyslexia, ADHD, and LD to different outcome measurements. The aim of this study was to determine (1) which characteristics of APD overlap with the characteristics of children with SLI, dyslexia, ADHD, LD, or autism spectrum disorder; and (2) if there are characteristics that distinguish children diagnosed with APD from children diagnosed with other developmental disorders.

DESIGN:

A systematic review. Six electronic databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, Eric, PsychINFO, Communication & Mass Media Complete, and EMBASE) were searched to find peer-reviewed studies from 1954 to May 2015. The authors included studies reporting behaviors and performance of children with (suspected) APD and children diagnosed with a different developmental disorder (SLI, Dyslexia, ADHD, and LD). Two researchers identified and screened the studies independently. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's levels-of-evidence scheme.

RESULTS:

In total, 13 studies of which the methodological quality was moderate were included in this systematic review. In five studies, the performance of children diagnosed with APD was compared with the performance of children diagnosed with SLI: in two with children diagnosed with dyslexia, one with children diagnosed with ADHD, and in another one with children diagnosed with LD. Ten of the studies included children who met the criteria for more than one diagnosis. In four studies, there was a comparison made between the performances of children with comorbid disorders. There were no studies found in which the performance of children diagnosed with APD was compared with the performance of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Children diagnosed with APD broadly share the same characteristics as children diagnosed with other developmental disorders, with only minor differences between them. Differences were determined with the auditory and visual Duration Pattern Test, the Children's Auditory Processing Performance Scale questionnaire, and the subtests of the Listening in Spatialized Noise-Sentences test, in which noise is spatially separated from target sentences. However, these differences are not consistent between studies and are not found in comparison to all groups of children with other developmental disorders.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children diagnosed with APD perform equally to children diagnosed with SLI, dyslexia, ADHD, and LD on tests of intelligence, memory or attention, and language tests. Only small differences between groups were found for sensory and perceptual functioning tasks (auditory and visual). In addition, children diagnosed with dyslexia performed poorer in reading tasks compared with children diagnosed with APD. The result is possibly confounded by poor quality of the research studies and the low quality of the used outcome measures. More research with higher scientific rigor is required to better understand the differences and similarities in children with various neurodevelopmental disorders.
PMID:
28863035
DOI:
10.1097/AUD.0000000000000479
Ear Hear. 2017 Aug 31. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000479. [Epub ahead of print]

Same or Different: The Overlap Between Children With Auditory Processing Disorders and Children With Other Developmental Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Author information

1
1Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; 3Laboratory for Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. 4Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; 5Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia; and 6Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Children diagnosed with auditory processing disorders (APD) experience difficulties in auditory functioning and with memory, attention, language, and reading tasks. However, it is not clear whether the behavioral characteristics of these children are distinctive from the behavioral characteristics of children diagnosed with a different developmental disorder, such as specific language impairment (SLI), dyslexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorder (LD), or autism spectrum disorder. This study describes the performance of children diagnosed with APD, SLI, dyslexia, ADHD, and LD to different outcome measurements. The aim of this study was to determine (1) which characteristics of APD overlap with the characteristics of children with SLI, dyslexia, ADHD, LD, or autism spectrum disorder; and (2) if there are characteristics that distinguish children diagnosed with APD from children diagnosed with other developmental disorders.

DESIGN:

A systematic review. Six electronic databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, Eric, PsychINFO, Communication & Mass Media Complete, and EMBASE) were searched to find peer-reviewed studies from 1954 to May 2015. The authors included studies reporting behaviors and performance of children with (suspected) APD and children diagnosed with a different developmental disorder (SLI, Dyslexia, ADHD, and LD). Two researchers identified and screened the studies independently. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's levels-of-evidence scheme.

RESULTS:

In total, 13 studies of which the methodological quality was moderate were included in this systematic review. In five studies, the performance of children diagnosed with APD was compared with the performance of children diagnosed with SLI: in two with children diagnosed with dyslexia, one with children diagnosed with ADHD, and in another one with children diagnosed with LD. Ten of the studies included children who met the criteria for more than one diagnosis. In four studies, there was a comparison made between the performances of children with comorbid disorders. There were no studies found in which the performance of children diagnosed with APD was compared with the performance of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Children diagnosed with APD broadly share the same characteristics as children diagnosed with other developmental disorders, with only minor differences between them. Differences were determined with the auditory and visual Duration Pattern Test, the Children's Auditory Processing Performance Scale questionnaire, and the subtests of the Listening in Spatialized Noise-Sentences test, in which noise is spatially separated from target sentences. However, these differences are not consistent between studies and are not found in comparison to all groups of children with other developmental disorders.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children diagnosed with APD perform equally to children diagnosed with SLI, dyslexia, ADHD, and LD on tests of intelligence, memory or attention, and language tests. Only small differences between groups were found for sensory and perceptual functioning tasks (auditory and visual). In addition, children diagnosed with dyslexia performed poorer in reading tasks compared with children diagnosed with APD. The result is possibly confounded by poor quality of the research studies and the low quality of the used outcome measures. More research with higher scientific rigor is required to better understand the differences and similarities in children with various neurodevelopmental disorders.
PMID:28863035
DOI:10.1097/AUD.0000000000000479

L'association entre l'histopathologie placentaire et le "trouble du spectre de l'autisme"

Aperçu: G.M.
La recherche suggère que le trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) a son origine dans l'utérus. Cette étude examine l'association entre la preuve de l'histopathologie placentaire et le TSA.
Une inflammation placentaire aiguë, quel que soit le type, a été associée à un risque accru de TSA (odds ratio [OR] = 3,14, IC 95% = 1,39, 6,95). 
Dans les sous-analyses parmi l'ensemble des inflammations aiguës des placentas masculins, la réponse inflammatoire fœtale dans les vaisseaux de la cororie et la pathologie de la malpérité vasculaire maternelle est restée significativement associée à un risque accru de TSA alors que l'œdème de villosité placentaire est resté associé à une diminution du risque de TSA.  

Placenta. 2017 Sep;57:183-188. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.07.006. Epub 2017 Jul 8.

The association between placental histopathology and autism spectrum disorder

Author information

1
Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, 1 Ford Place, Suite 3E, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Electronic address: jstraug1@hfhs.org.
2
Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Electronic address: dmisra@med.wayne.edu.
3
Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, 1 Ford Place, Suite 3E, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Electronic address: gdivine1@hfhs.org.
4
Placental Modulation Laboratory, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1550 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA. Electronic address: ruchit.shah27@gmail.com.
5
Placental Analytics LLC, 187 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804, USA. Electronic address: gaby15785@gmail.com.
6
Placental Analytics LLC, 187 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804, USA; Department of Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies & Bioethics, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: samantha.vanhorn@emory.edu.
7
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. Electronic address: vonbreyt@gmail.com.
8
Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. Electronic address: bdygulska@outlook.com.
9
Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. Electronic address: rebeccaschmitt427@gmail.com.
10
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. Electronic address: sal9047@nyp.org.
11
Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. Electronic address: prn9001@nyp.org.
12
Placental Modulation Laboratory, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1550 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; Placental Analytics LLC, 187 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA; Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. Electronic address: carolyn.salafia@gmail.com.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Research suggests that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has its origins in utero. This study examines the association between evidence of placental histopathology and ASD.

METHODS:

Administrative claims data and medical records data were used to identify ASD cases (N = 55) and matched controls (N = 199) born at New York Methodist Hospital between 2007 and 2014 and subsequently seen in affiliated pediatrics clinics. Placentas from all births during this time period were reviewed as part of routine care. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression to account for the matched (gender, gestational age, and birth weight) design.

RESULTS:

Acute placental inflammation, regardless of type was associated with an increased risk of ASD (odds ratio [OR] = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.39, 6.95). Chronic uteroplacental vasculitis (OR = 7.13; 95% CI = 1.17, 43.38), the fetal inflammatory response in the chorionic plate vessels (OR = 5.12; 95% CI = 2.02, 12.96), and maternal vascular malperfusion pathology (OR = 12.29; 95% CI = 1.37, 110.69) were associated with an increased risk of ASD. Placental villous edema was associated with a decreased risk of ASD (OR = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.0005, 0.42). In subanalyses among male placentas acute inflammation overall, fetal inflammatory response in the chorionic plate vessels, and maternal vascular malperfusion pathology remained significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD whereas placental villous edema remained associated with a decreased risk of ASD.

DISCUSSION:

Histologic evidence of placental inflammation and maternal vascular malperfusion pathology are associated with ASD.
PMID:28864010
DOI:10.1016/j.placenta.2017.07.006

03 septembre 2017

Perceptions parentales et problèmes émotionnels et comportementaux chez les enfants dans l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.
Les difficultés émotionnelles et comportementales chez les enfants "avec autisme" présentent souvent des problèmes pour les familles qui cherchent des interventions thérapeutiques appropriées.  
L'équipe a analysé l'association entre les perceptions des parents concernant l'autisme et leurs rapports sur les problèmes émotionnels et comportementaux des enfants. Les résultats ont montré que les parents qui ont attribué l'autisme de leur enfant à des facteurs environnementaux, qui ont éprouvé un trouble émotionnel ou une confusion au sujet de l'autisme, ou qui ont perçu que le trouble était omniprésente ou lourd, étaient plus susceptibles de signaler des difficultés affectives et comportementales cliniquement significatives.  
Les résultats suggèrent que les services de soutien doivent tenir compte des perceptions des parents lors de l'élaboration d'interventions pour les aider à relever les défis émotionnels et comportementaux des enfants.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Sep 1. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3288-9.

Parental Perceptions and Child Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Autism

Author information

1
Center for Social Work Education, Widener University, One University Place, Chester, PA, 19013, USA. jlhaney@widener.edu.
2
Center for Social Work Education, Widener University, One University Place, Chester, PA, 19013, USA.

Abstract

Emotional and behavioral difficulties in children with autism often present problems for families seeking appropriate treatment interventions. Using data from the 2011 Survey of Pathways to Diagnosis and Services, ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the association between parental perceptions about autism and their reports of child emotional and behavioral problems. Results showed that parents who attributed their child's autism to environmental factors, experienced emotional upset or confusion about autism, or perceived the condition to be pervasive or burdensome, were more likely to reported clinically significant emotional and behavioral difficulties. Findings suggest that support services must consider parent perceptions when developing interventions to assist with children's emotional and behavioral challenges. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
PMID:28864836
DOI:10.1007/s10803-017-3288-9

Diagnostic retardé et traitement chez les enfants "avec autisme" dans l'adversité

Aperçu: G.M.
Les effets des expériences infantiles défavorisées familiales (ACE) sur le calendrier des diagnostics de TSA et la réception de thérapies ont été mesurés en utilisant les données de l'Enquête nationale sur la santé des enfants 2011-2012. 
Les ACE peuvent constituer des obstacles importants aux diagnostics et au traitement des enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Sep 1. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3294-y.

Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment Among Children with Autism Who Experience Adversity

Author information

1
Temple University College of Public Health, 1700 N. Broad, Philadelphia, PA, 19086, USA. klberg@temple.edu.
2
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA. klberg@temple.edu.
3
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
4
Delaware County Community College, Media, PA, USA.
5
University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
6
University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, and Kennedy Research Center on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Chicago, IL, USA.

Abstract

The effects of family adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on timing of ASD diagnoses and receipt of therapies were measured using data from the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health. Parametric accelerated failure time models estimated the relationship between family ACEs and both timing of ASD diagnosis and receipt of therapies among US children (age 2-17 years; N = 1624). Compared to children without family ACEs, the adjusted effects of 1-2 and ≥ 3 ACEs resulted in prolonged time of diagnoses with time ratios of 1.17 and 1.23. Report of 1-2 and ≥ 3 ACEs were associated with a 22 and 27% increase in the median age of entry into services. ACEs may pose significant barriers to diagnoses and treatment of children with ASD.

PMID:28864845
DOI:10.1007/s10803-017-3294-y

L'efficacité de la thérapie de groupe aquatique pour améliorer la sécurité aquatique et les interactions sociales chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de "trouble du spectre de l'autisme": un programme pilote

Traduction: G.M.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Sep 1. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3264-4.

The Effectiveness of Aquatic Group Therapy for Improving Water Safety and Social Interactions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Program

Author information

1
Children's Services Center, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, 255 E. Bonita Ave., P.O. Box 6001, Pomona, CA, 91769, USA. malaniz@casacolina.org.
2
Children's Services Center, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, 255 E. Bonita Ave., P.O. Box 6001, Pomona, CA, 91769, USA.
3
Casa Colina's Research Institute, Pomona, CA, USA.
4
Curative New Berlin Therapies, New Berlin, WI, USA.
5
Children's Services Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Abstract

La noyade est la principale cause de décès accidentel chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de "trouble du spectre de l'autisme" (TSA). Peu d'études ont examiné l'efficacité des cours de natation pour améliorer les compétences en matière de sécurité aquatique chez les enfants avec "TSA modéré à sévère". Cette étude examine la faisabilité et l'efficacité d'un programme de thérapie aquatique sur la sécurité aquatique et sur les compétences sociales chez les enfants "avec un TSA léger à sévère (n = 7). Les compétences en sécurité aquatique ont été évaluées à l'aide de la Liste de vérification des compétences aquatiques et les compétences sociales ont été mesurées à l'aide de l'Échelle d'amélioration des compétences sociales. Nous fournissons des preuves préliminaires que les enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA peuvent améliorer les compétences en matière de sécurité aquatique (p = 0,0002), ce qui est important pour la prévention de la noyade après seulement 8 heures d'intervention. Cependant, les compétences sociales n'ont pas répondu à l'intervention (p = 0,6409).
 Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Few studies have examined the effectiveness of swim instruction for improving water safety skills in children with moderate to severe ASD. This study examines the feasibility and effectiveness of an aquatic therapy program on water safety and social skills in children with mild to severe ASD (n = 7). Water safety skills were evaluated using the Aquatics Skills Checklist and social skills were measured using the Social Skills Improvement Scale. We provide preliminary evidence that children with ASD can improve water safety skills (p = 0.0002), which are important for drowning prevention after only 8 h of intervention. However, social skills did not respond to intervention (p = 0.6409).

PMID:28864911
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3264-4

L'intensité perçue des présentation émotionnelles à partir de points lumineux est réduite chez les sujets avec un diagnostic de TSA

Aperçu: G.M.
La présente étude a exploré les altérations liées aux TSA dans la perception des émotions exprimées par les mouvements du corps. 16 participants avec un diagnostic de TSA et 16 contrôles sans TSA ont observé des scènes vidéo d'interactions humaines véhiculées par des écrans à points lumineux. 
Les résultats ont montré que les participants sans TSA ont évalué les interactions émotionnelles présentant une émotivité positive comme étant plus intenses et plus confiant quant à leur évaluation  que les sujets avec TSA . Les résultats confirment l'idée que les patients avec un diagnostic de TSA ont une perception altérée des émotions. Cela étend la recherche sur les caractéristiques subjectives (intensité, confiance) de la perception de l'émotion au domaine des mouvements du corps émotionnel et de la cinématique.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Sep 1. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3286-y.

Perceived Intensity of Emotional Point-Light Displays is Reduced in Subjects with ASD

Author information

1
Institute for Sports Science, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Kugelberg 62, 35394, Giessen, Germany. britta.krueger@sport.uni-giessen.de.
2
Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany. britta.krueger@sport.uni-giessen.de.
3
Cognitive Neuroscience Group, Center for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
4
Institute for Sports Science, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Kugelberg 62, 35394, Giessen, Germany.
5
Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
6
Institute of Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany.
7
Department of Personality Psychology and Individual Differences, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
8
Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
9
Institute for Sports Science, University of Munster, Munster, Germany.

Abstract

One major characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is problems with social interaction and communication. The present study explored ASD-related alterations in perceiving emotions expressed via body movements. 16 participants with ASD and 16 healthy controls observed video scenes of human interactions conveyed by point-light displays. They rated the valence of the depicted emotions in terms of their intensity and judged their confidence in their ratings. Results showed that healthy participants rated emotional interactions displaying positive emotionality as being more intense and were more confident about their ratings than ASD subjects. Results support the idea that patients with ASD have an altered perception of emotions. This extends research on subjective features (intensity, confidence) of emotion perception to the domain of emotional body movements and kinematics.
PMID:28864932
DOI:10.1007/s10803-017-3286-y

Aperçu de la recherche sur l'oxycologie humaine

Aperçu: G.M.
À ce jour, la recherche a principalement tenté d'établir des effets fonctionnels en mesurant des concentrations endogènes altérées, en observant les effets de l'administration exogène et en étudiant les effets des polymorphismes et des modifications épigénétiques du gène du récepteur de l'ocytocine.
Les chercheurs résument quelques-uns des principaux résultats sur les effets comportementaux et neurologiques qui ont été signalés chez des sujets sains dans le contexte de la cognition sociale qui ont encouragé l'ocytocine à représenter une cible thérapeutique prometteuse. Ils ont aussi identifié un certain nombre de domaines clés dans lesquels il existe un besoin d'informations supplémentaires sur les stratégies de dosage optimales et les interactions avec d'autres systèmes de peptides et d'émetteurs. Enfin, ils ont résumé les résultats thérapeutiques de l'administration d'oxytocine intranasale dans l'autisme et la schizophrénie. 
Les résultats cliniques, bien que variés, offrent une cause d'optimisme croissante sur le fait que le ciblage du système d'ocytocine peut constituer une approche thérapeutique réussie pour le dysfonctionnement social. 
 

Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2017 Sep 2. doi: 10.1007/7854_2017_19.

Overview of Human Oxytocin Research

Author information

1
Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China. k.kendrick.uestc@gmail.com.
2
Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China. adam.guastella@sydney.edu.au.
3
Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. adam.guastella@sydney.edu.au.
4
Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China. ben_becker@gmx.de.

Abstract

Social dysfunction is a core symptom of many psychiatric disorders and current medications have little or no remedial effects on this. Following on from extensive studies on animal models demonstrating that the neuropeptide oxytocin plays an important role in social recognition and bonding, human-based research has explored its therapeutic potential for social dysfunction in psychiatric disorders. Here we outline the historical background of this human-based research and some of the current methodological challenges it is facing. To date, research has primarily attempted to establish functional effects through measuring altered endogenous concentrations, observing effects of exogenous administration and by investigating the effects of polymorphisms and epigenetic modifications of the oxytocin receptor gene. We summarize some of the key findings on behavioral and neural effects that have been reported in healthy subjects in the context of social cognition which have provided encouragement that oxytocin could represent a promising therapeutic target. At the same time, we have identified a number of key areas where we urgently need further information about optimal dosing strategies and interactions with other peptide and transmitter systems. Finally, we have summarized current translational findings, particularly in the context of therapeutic outcomes of intranasal oxytocin administration in autism and schizophrenia. These clinical findings while somewhat varied in outcome do offer increasing cause for optimism that targeting the oxytocin system may provide a successful therapeutic approach for social dysfunction. However, future research needs to focus on the most effective treatment strategy and which types of individuals are likely to benefit most.
PMID:28864976
DOI:10.1007/7854_2017_19

Ocytocine et modèles animaux pour le "trouble du spectre de l'autisme"

Aperçu: G.M.
Au cours de la dernière décennie, il y a eu un intérêt important dans l'utilisation de l'ocytocine pour traiter les déficits de comportement social dans le TSA. Cependant, on a accordé peu d'attention pour savoir si le système d'ocytocine est perturbé dans des sous-groupes de personnes avec un diagnostic de TSA et si ces personnes sont susceptibles de bénéficier davantage d'un traitement par l'ocytocine. 
Cela peut être dû en partie à l'énorme hétérogénéité des TSA et au manque de méthodes pour soigneusement sonder le système OXT chez les sujets humains. Les modèles animaux pour le TSA sont des outils précieux pour clarifier l'implication du système d'ocytocine dans le TSA.
 

Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2017 Sep 2. doi: 10.1007/7854_2017_15.

Oxytocin and Animal Models for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Author information

1
Sagol Department of Neurobiology, The University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
2
Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Hala.Harony-Nicolas@mssm.edu.
3
Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Hala.Harony-Nicolas@mssm.edu.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social communication and by repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviors, with no pharmacological treatments available to treat these core symptoms. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that powerfully regulates mammalian social behavior and has been shown to exert pro-social effects when administered intranasally to healthy human subjects. In the last decade, there has been a significant interest in using oxytocin to treat social behavior deficits in ASD. However, little attention has been paid to whether the oxytocin system is perturbed in subgroups of individuals with ASD and whether these individuals are likely to benefit more from an oxytocin treatment. This oversight may in part be due to the enormous heterogeneity of ASD and the lack of methods to carefully probe the OXT system in human subjects. Animal models for ASD are valuable tools to clarify the implication of the oxytocin system in ASD and can help determine whether perturbation in this system should be considered in future clinical studies as stratifying biomarkers to inform targeted treatments in subgroups of individuals with ASD. In this chapter, we review the literature on genetic- and environmental-based animal models for ASD, in which perturbations in the oxytocin system and/or the effect of oxytocin administration on the ASD-associated phenotype have been investigated.
PMID:28864977
DOI:10.1007/7854_2017_15